Interpol, Dunedin police probe scam

Dunedin police are helping Interpol investigate an
international scam which has duped Otago people.

''Dunedin police are currently investigating what appears to
be a highly sophisticated, international cybercrime scam,''
Senior Sergeant Mel Aitken, of Dunedin, said last night.

''People in Otago have been affected by it, although we don't
know how many at this stage. It is quite a big deal,
apparently. It's a big international scam.''

The scam involved online advertising of holiday home
accommodation in New Zealand.

''The scam involves hackers purporting to be the online
listing agency and then requesting verification details from
the person listing the home which, if completed by the
'listee', then allows the hacker access to their emails
relating to the listing of the property,'' Snr Sgt Aitken
said.

''Anybody then making and paying for a booking or
communicating with who they believe is the homeowner is, in
fact, the international scammer,'' she said.

People should be cautious when providing financial details
over the internet.

''It's a warning. Don't give out your personal details on the
internet. If it appears dodgy, then it probably is. Ensure
you are 100% sure of what you are transmitting over the
internet in terms of personal details, account and pin
numbers.''

Interpol was assisting New Zealand police with the scam,
which was believed to have cheated ''thousands of dollars
from people making bookings throughout New Zealand'', Snr Sgt
Aitken said.